Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011
Welsh-Ryan Arena (8,117)
Evanston, Ill. 2 p.m.
TV: Big Ten Network (Dave Eanet and Mary Murphy)
Radio: 89.3 FM, WNUR (Cody Dunlop)
Gametracker: NUsports.com
In-game Twitter updates: @NU_SportsLIVE
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern looks to carry over the momentum of a huge, 44-43 upset over No. 23 LSU in Baton Rouge Tuesday evening into Sunday's matchup against yet another ranked opponent, #20/23 DePaul. The Blue Demons enter the contest on the heels of a second-place finish out in the Box Rainbow Wahine Classic in Honolulu, Hawaii last weekend.
Last time out...
Northwestern faced a tall task, matching up against No. 23 LSU on its home floor, and ultimately rose to the challenge, defeating the Tigers, 44-43 Tuesday evening at the Pete Maravich Center. Freshman Morgan Jones' two free throws with 11 seconds on the clock proved to be the final points of the contest, as the Wildcats came up with a big stop on the final play of the game to remain undefeated. It is the second time in as many years Northwestern has knocked off LSU and also the second time three seasons the Wildcats have upset a top-20 team in the preseason. The other, ironically was defeating then-No.15 DePaul on Nov. 25, 2009 in Evanston.
More About The LSU Victory
Not only was Northwestern's win over LSU a triumph over a ranked opponent, but it also was just the 12th time in the last 14 years--that's 156 games--that an unranked foe defeated the Tigers in the Maravich Center.
Roser Picks Up Big Ten Freshman of the Week Accolades
Freshman Karly Roser turned in an outstanding pair of performances for the Wildcats last week, propelling them to two solid victories and picked up Northwestern's first Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors for her efforts. The last Wildcat to earn the honor was Kendall Hackney back on Feb. 8, 2010. Last week, Roser averaged 11.5 assists per game, including a 13-helper performance against Illinois State, which is a Big Ten single-game high this season. She recorded her first double-double of the year against Western Kentucky with 12 points and 10 assists, while adding seven rebounds. The guard shot 60 percent from the field and added two steals in the win.
Orban Resumes Spot Among Offensive Rebound Leaders
Senior Brittany Orban finished last season averaging 2.9 offensive rebounds per outing, which ranked 5th overall in the League. This year, Orban has gotten her hustle on again, hauling down a team-best 14 offensive boards. That gives her an average of 3.5 per outing, which is currently fourth in the Big Ten.
About the Autism Awareness Aspect...
Northwestern women's basketball and the Chicago Chapter of Autism Speaks are partnering once again to host the Annual Autism Awareness Game Saturday. The Wildcats and Autism Speaks are working together for the third-straight year to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders.
The game will feature a ceremonial tip-off and game ball presentation and a special halftime basketball game between the Evanston E-Team and North Shore Special Olympics Team. NU participated in the Special Olympics Youth Athletes Field Day on campus in April. The first 500 fans will receive a commemorative t-shirt, and everyone in attendance can take advantage of free face-painting and balloon artists.
Autism is a disorder near and dear to the heart of NU head coach Joe McKeown as his son, Joey, has autism. In the past, McKeown and DePaul head coach Doug Bruno have pledged money in the annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks, a 5K event held at Soldier Field.
For more information or to purchase tickets: email Heather Van Hoegarden h-hoegarden@northwestern.edu.
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